News

Canadian Disappointment over COOL Changes

12 March 2013

CANADA - Canadian agricultural minister Gerry Ritz said that the government is extremely disappointed with the proposed regulatory changes put forward by the United States today with respect to Country of Origin Labelling.

Mr Ritz said: "We do not believe that the proposed changes will bring the United States into compliance with its WTO obligations.

"The proposed changes will increase the discrimination against exports of cattle and hogs from Canada and increase damages to Canadian industry.

"Our Government will consider all options, including retaliatory measures, should the U.S. not achieve compliance by 23 May 2013, as mandated by the WTO.

"We will continue to stand with Canadian cattle and hog producers against unfair Country of Origin Labeling in the US."